Slot Machines Split Ohio

As seems to be the norm, anticipation of introducing slot machines into a community has created a divide.  The current question in Ohio is whether slot machine revenues will benefit education or economic development.  Mike Green of Richland Economic Development Corporation is not convinced it will do either.

Green has a rather extended negative opinion of the slot machine issue.  “I don’t see it as the answer to bettering education,” protests Greens.  “The Lottery’s one thing,” he continued, “it was supposed to help some of the problems.  I don’t know what the results have been.  If that’s an example of how education is going to benefit, I don’t see it as being much of a benefit.”

Green goes on, “I think we’d be better served if we want to help education, let’s solve the problems of our schools.  I don’t think lining the pockets of someone else is going to profit our students.”

19-year old Daniel J. Mount is against slot machines in all forms.  Earlier this month he protested the off-track betting parlor at Chris’s Café.  The parlor was given the green light by a Mansfield City Council.  When questioned about his opinion of slot machines in Ohio horse racing venues, Mount stated, “It has failed in the past.  I’m hoping, for the good of Ohio families, it fails again.”  Just this month, the Mansfield City Council refused a proposal to permit Cleveland area racetracks to broadcast televised operations at Chris's Café.

Chris’s Café co-owner, Tom Acevski, has not a problem in the world with the slot machine proposal.  The way Tom Acevski sees it, “Why not let these people, by gambling, help people go to college?”  Off-track betting is still legal in the state of Ohio, and Chris’s café still endorses it. 

John Achevich, cousin to Tom, claims that nationwide, horse racing is a $40 billion dollar industry.  The Achevich’s grandfather established the restaurant several years ago.   

Not giving a direct yes or no when asked if Chris’s Café is for a constitutional amendment in November, John Achevich replied, “I don’t want to say Chris’s Café is for casinos.  I believe it should be up to the voters in Ohio as to whether it’s available in Ohio.  If it’s legal, I believe it should be available to those people who enjoy that type of entertainment.  There are a tremendous amount of financial benefits to communities where this takes place.”

Achevich’s final clarification was, “A potential casino site is not the reason Chris’s Café wants to do an offsite betting location.”

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